Acts of the Seventeenth Provincial Chapter
of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross
Held in the Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburg, PA.
From October 4th to 13th, 1911.

PRELIMINARY.

The Seventeenth Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Paul of the Cross opened under circumstances of unusual interest both to the Capitular Fathers, and to the Province at large. The unusual interest of the Capitular Fathers was due to the fact that their deliberations were to be presided over by the Most Rev. Fr. General, Jeremiah of the Most Sacred Thorns;—the second time in the history of the Province that the highest Superior in the Congregation did us the great honor of presiding in person at our Provincial Chapter. The joy and satisfaction of the Capitulars in thus having the Most. Rev. Fr. General to guide them in their difficult work, was plainly evident to all. It may not be inopportune to set down here a brief account of the circumstances that attended Fr. General’s coming to preside at the Chapter. This account will explain the reason of the unusual interest of the Province at large.

On the 15th of June of the present year, our Very Rev. Fr. Provincial, Stanislaus of the Most Holy Redeemer, with the approval of Fr. General, issued a circular letter convoking the Chapter to open on August 21st, 1911. The Capitular Fathers were ordered to be in Pittsburg not later than the morning of August 18th, when the preliminary meetings would begin. Most Rev. Fr. General, motu proprio, as he afterwards declared to the assembled Capitulars, deputed Very Rev. Fr. Joseph of the Mother of Mercy, 1st Consultor General, to preside at the Chapter in his place, and ordered him to sail for America early in June, as the condition of his health and the advice of physicians made it imperative for Fr. Joseph to leave Rome for a time. In accordance with this commission, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph reached our Province about the middle of June, and gave notice of his appointment to Fr. Provincial.

A few days before the Fathers were to leave their respective Retreats, they were notified by Very Rev. Fr. Provincial that a cablegram had been received from Rome, worded as follows: “Chapter suspended; General will preside.” The Most Rev. Fr. General declared to the Capitular Fathers after the Chapter had opened, and he wished his declaration to be recorded in the Acts of the Chapter, that the Sacred Congregation of Religious had suspended the Chapter, and had ordered him to preside in person. Shortly after the receipt of the cablegram, Fr. Provincial received from Fr. General a communication, date of August 19th, addressed to him and his Consultors, asking for information as to the date when the Chapter should be held. They, wishing to obtain the opinion of the Capitular Fathers before giving an answer, called a meeting of all the Superiors of the Province for Sept. 14th, 1911, to be held at St. Michael’s Monastery, West Hoboken, N.J. At this meeting it was unanimously decided that Fr. General be petitioned to hold the Chapter at an early date, and the first or second week in October was suggested as a convenient date. The following were the reasons for this action. 1. The seriously disturbed condition of the Province, owing to the postponement of the Chapter. 2. The impossibility of satisfactorily arranging our Mission Work under present circumstances. 3. A like impossibility of meeting the instant needs of parishes under our care.

It was also unanimously decided at this meeting to petition the Sacred Congregation of Religious to grant the privilege of an active voice in our coming Chapter to Very Rev. Fr. Consultor General Joseph of the Mother of Mercy, assigning the following reasons. As an interpreter was needed for the Capitular Fathers, owing to the fact that our Most Rev.Fr. General does not speak English, and none of the Capitulars can speak Italian sufficiently well, it was the unanimous opinion of the Superiors that Very Rev. Fr. Joseph was the man best fitted and most acceptable for this position, because: 1. he has a thorough facility in both languages; 2. he has a most abundant knowledge of the affairs of this Province; 3. he enjoys the confidence of Most Rev. Fr. General, as is manifested by his appointment as President of our Chapter; 4. he enjoys the confidence of the Capitular Fathers themselves, owing to the prudence, wisdom, broad-mindedness, and kindliness with which he had presided over the deliberations of our Provincial Chapter of 1908, as well as over those of the 1st Provincial Chapter of the Western Province, as is evidenced by the Acts of these same Chapters. These reasons were of sufficient importance to induce the Sacred Congregation to grant the petition by cablegram, date of Sept. 28th. Later, before the close of the Chapter, the official document came from Rome.

Most Rev. Fr. General reached our shores Sept. 25th. Shortly after his arrival, the petition of the Superiors of the Province, already alluded to, was laid before him. In consequence of this petition, and also, because he had to arrange for the return of Very Rev. Fr. Joseph, at an early date, to Rome, where his presence, during Fr. General’s absence, was needed, Most Rev. Fr. General fixed the date of the Chapter for Oct. 3rd. Accordingly, our Very Rev. Fr. Provincial immediately convoked the Chapter to open on that date, and ordered the Capitulars to meet in Pittsburg for the 30th of Sept., when the preliminary meetings would begin.

In compliance with this order, all the Capitular Fathers were assembled in the Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross, in Pittsburg, on the morning of Saturday, Sept. the 30th, for the first preliminary meeting. The meeting was opened with the customary prayers by the Most Rev. Fr. General. At the outset the Most Rev. President announced that he had the faculty of conferring the privilege of an active voice in the Chapter on local Superiors who are not Rectors, and asked the Fathers if they wished him to use this faculty in the case of Rev. Fr. Justin of the Infant Jesus, Superior of our Boston foundation. Upon the Fathers answering in the affirmative, the Most Rev. Fr. President declared Fr. Justin a member of the Chapter with an active voice. The Fr. General further announced that the Sacred Congregation of Religious, by a cablegram, received on Sept. 28, had conferred the privilege of an active voice in the Chapter upon the 1st Consultor General, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph of the Mother of Mercy. Accordingly, Fr. Joseph took his seat along with the other Capitular Fathers.

At the call of the Most Rev. President, all delivered up their seals of office. The Rectors of the different Retreats also handed in their “Litterae Patentes,” and their Capitular Reports, covering, according to the prescriptions of Canon Law, the celebration of Masses, the financial status of their Retreats since the last Provincial Chapter, the reading of the prescribed decrees, the inventory of Church and house furniture, and the custody of the Archives. A committee was appointed to audit these reports.

A Secretary for the preliminary meetings was then appointed by the Most Rev. Fr. President in the person of Very Rev. Fr. Linus, of the Heart of Mary.

The remainder of the meeting, as well as the whole of the following meeting, and a portion of the meeting on Sunday morning, were occupied in proposing a variety of matters pertaining to the general welfare of the Province. A committee was appointed to sort and classify these different points, so they could be delivered for consideration to committees which the Most Rev. Fr. President would appoint later. All the Capitular Fathers then took the oath “de secreto servando,” administered by the Most Rev. Fr. President; there followed immediately the discussion of the merits of those eligible to office. This discussion lasted during the remainder of the preliminary meetings.

On the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 2nd, the Capitular Fathers assisted at Vespers with the Community. After Vespers, according to ancient custom, a discourse was delivered to the assembled Capitulars and Community by Very Rev. Fr. Paul Joseph of the Five Wounds. This discourse was a masterly and lucid exposition of the nature and seriousness of the duty before the Capitulars, and the qualities that should be sought in those who are to hold the reins of government. Briefly, the discourse may be summarized in this proposition:—that the Capitulars were under the gravest obligation, from every conceivable point of view, of choosing the men who were the most capable teachers of religious principles, the most prudent leaders, and the kindest fathers. At the close of the meeting that followed, the Most Rev. Fr. President proposed that the Fathers express, by secret ballot, their pleasure with regard to postponing the opening of the Chapter till the morning of Oct. 4th, for the purpose of allowing time for further consideration of those eligible to office. The ballot showed that the Fathers were in favor of postponement, and the Most Rev. Fr. General, by virtue of special powers granted him by the Sacred Congregation, postponed the Chapter, to open Wednesday morning, Oct. 4th.

FIRST SESSION.

At 6.30 on the morning of Oct. 4th, the Votive Mass of the Holy Ghost, was solemnly celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Provincial, with his two Consultors as Deacon and Subdeacon, and the other Capitular Fathers assisting in various capacities. At 8 o’clock on the same morning, the Capitular Fathers and the entire Community assembled in the Sacristy Chapel, and after the Most Rev. Fr. President had intoned the hymn, “Vexilla Regis,” all moved in procession towards the Chapter Hall, continuing the hymn. The customary prayers having been sung, all but the Capitular Fathers withdrew from the room. The Most Rev. Fr. President, in a few well chosen words, endeavored to impress upon the Capitulars the importance of the impending work, and briefly outlined what the ideal Superior should be, emphasizing especially the point that the Superior should be a father to those over whom he is placed.

At the roll call of Electors by the Secretary, the following answered to their names:

Most Rev. Fr. Jeremiah of the Most Sacred Thorns, Superior General.
Very Rev. Fr. Joseph of the Mother of Mercy, 1st Consultor General, ex privilegio a S. Congr. de Religiosis concesso.
Very Rev. Fr. Stanislaus of the Most Holy Redeemer, Provincial.
Very Rev. Fr. Paul Joseph of the Five Wounds, 1st Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. Fr. Albert of the Cross, 2nd Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. Fr. George of St. Michael, Rector of St. Paul’s Retreat, Pittsburg, Pa.
Very Rev. Fr. Linus of the Heart of Mary, Rector of St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, N. Y.
Very Rev. Fr. Bertrand of the Heart of Mary, Rector of St. Michael’s Retreat, West Hoboken, N. J.
Very Rev. Fr. Cornelius of St. Ignatius, Rector of St. Joseph’s Retreat, Baltimore, Md.
Very Rev. Fr. Cyprian of the Immaculate Conception, Rector of St. Ann’s Retreat, Scranton, Pa.
Very Rev. Fr. Clement of St. Peter, Master of Novices
Rev. Fr. Justin of the Infant Jesus, Superior of Blessed Gabriel’s Retreat, Boston, Mass., ex privilegio a S. Congr. de Religiosis concesso.

The Fathers, realizing the grave responsibility resting on them, sought light and guidance from the Holy Spirit, by fervently chanting the “Veni Creator.” The Most Rev. Fr. President then asked the Fathers if they thought the Chapter canonically convened. All answered in the affirmative. The Most Rev. Fr. President then made the customary protestation in his own name and in the name of the other electors of not excluding the worthy, or of admitting the unworthy. The prescribed acts of humility were performed, the absolution “ad Cautelam” was given by the Most Rev. Fr. President, who in turn received it from Very Rev. Fr. Joseph of the Mother of Mercy; the prescribed decree of the Holy Office “contra sollicitantes” and the 6th Chapter, Session 25, of the Council of Trent, “De Reformatione,” were read. Before the Fathers proceeded further, they were invited by the Most Rev. President to decide whether, owing to the present condition of the Scranton Retreat, it would be advisable to elect a Rector for this Monastery, or have only a Superior appointed. It was decided to elect a Rector. The Most Rev. Fr. President then inquired from the Fathers, whether, in their opinion, everything required for regular community life was provided in our Boston Monastery, and having received an affirmative answer, declared that a Rector was to be elected for this Retreat. A little time was now spent in further discussing the merits of the Fathers who were eligible for office. A Capitular Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Linus of the Heart of Mary, was chosen by secret ballot, and in like manner were chosen two Scrutineers, Very Rev. Fr. Clement of St. Peter, and Very Rev. Fr. Cornelius of St. Ignatius. The Most Rev. Fr. President carefully instructed the Fathers as to the method to be followed in the elections, and then proposed the election of a Provincial. The will of God was soon manifested, for on the first ballot, Very Rev. Fr. Stanislaus of the Most Holy Redeemer, was elected to fill this important office. Whereupon, with the Placet of the Capitulars, the Secretary published the decree of his election. The good Father, with characteristic earnestness and directness, accepted the heavy burden thus imposed upon him a second time. The Capitulars, with unconcealed joy, offered their congratulations and obedience. In the hope of a like speedy and happy termination, the Most Rev. Fr. President proposed to begin balloting immediately for a 1st Provincial Consultor. After balloting for some time, without result, the session was declared closed. The Community was summoned to pay the customary obedience to the newly elected Provincial, and all then repaired to the Church, where the thankfulness that was in the hearts of all found outward expression in a joyful “Te Deum.” The newly elected Provincial closed the service by imparting the Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament.

SECOND SESSION.

The second session duly opened with prayer by the Most Rev. Fr. President at 2.45 Wednesday afternoon. The work of selecting a 1st Consultor was resumed. After several ballots had been cast, the 18th ballot favored Rev. Fr. Justin of the Infant Jesus. Fr. Justin thanked the Fathers for their great confidence in him, and accepted the office with the promise of doing his utmost to advance the best interests of the Province. On the 12th ballot, a 2nd Consultor was secured in the person of Very Rev. Fr. Paul Joseph of the Five Wounds. The decree of his election was published, but the Father asked to be allowed to take counsel before giving his answer. When he returned, he gladdened the hearts of the Capitulars by accepting the office. The important office of Master of Novices was now to be filled, and on the 6th ballot, Very Rev. Fr. George of St. Michael was elected. This esteemed religious expressed his surprise at the choice, but, recognizing in it the will of God, humbly acquiesced. The Rectorships of the Province were now taken up for consideration. On the 3rd ballot, Rev. Fr. Victor of St. Nicholas was chosen Rector of the Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburg, Pa. The Secretary published the decree of his election, and sent notice to the Father in West Hoboken. Our Retreat of St. Mary in Dunkirk was promptly provided with a Rector in the person of Very Rev. Fr. Clement of St. Peter, who was chosen on the first ballot. The Father was genuinely surprised, but could not resist this marked manifestation of confidence in him, and graciously consented to assume the office. On the 2nd ballot, Very Rev. Fr. Linus of the Heart of Mary was elected Rector of St. Michael’s Monastery, West Hoboken, N.J. The decree of his election was published in due form by the first Scrutineer. Fr. Linus stated he had some difficulty about accepting the office, and asked to be allowed to leave the Chapter room to take prudent advice. On his return, he accepted the office, and received the congratulations of the Fathers. The Most Rev. Fr. President then appointed several committees to take under advisement the various matters proposed in the preliminary meetings. The Fathers well satisfied with the work of the session and the day, rendered heartfelt thanks to God in prayer, and adjourned.

THIRD SESSION.

At 8 o’clock on the morning of Oct. 5th, the Capitular Fathers resumed the work of elections. The work progressed with most gratifying rapidity. On the 2nd ballot, Rev. Fr. Sebastian of the Holy Family was elected to the Rectorship of St. Joseph’s Retreat, Baltimore, Md., and notice was immediately sent to the Father in Dunkirk. On the 1st ballot, Rev. Fr. Timothy of the Mother of Mercy was chosen Rector of St. Ann’s Monastery, Scranton, Pa., and notice was sent him in West Hoboken. Finally, on the 1st ballot, Very Rev. Fr. Cornelius of St. Ignatius was selected to fill the position of first canonical Rector of our new Monastery of Blessed Gabriel in Boston. The Father asked for a little time to consider the matter, but shortly put an end to the work of elections by accepting the office, with thanks to the Fathers for the confidence reposed in him. The Most Rev. Fr. President then declared a recess, in order to give the different committees time for their work. Shortly before dinner, the Fathers re-assembled in the Chapter hall, the Community was called in, and the results of the elections were published. The religious offered their congratulations and good wishes to those of the newly elected who were present, and then withdrew. Rev. Fr. Victor of St. Nicholas, who had just arrived from West Hoboken, then appeared before the Fathers, and with thanks for the esteem shown him, accepted the Rectorship of the Pittsburg Retreat. Later in the day, a dispatch came from Rev. Fr. Timothy of the Mother of Mercy, conveying his grateful acceptance of the Rectorship of St. Ann’s Retreat, Scranton. The Most Rev. Fr. President declared the Chapter adjourned for the rest of the day, in order to give the different committees time to compile their reports.

FOURTH TO FOURTEENTH SESSIONS.

Regular sessions were held on the mornings of Oct. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and the afternoons of Oct. 6, 7, 10, 11, 12. In these sessions the matters proposed in the preliminary meetings were thoroughly and carefully discussed, and the necessary decrees were formulated. In the 4th session, on the morning of Oct. 6th, Rev. Fr. Sebastian of the Holy Family, was introduced into the Chapter room, and expressed his willingness to accept the Rectorship of the Baltimore Retreat. In the 13th session, on the afternoon of Oct. 11, the Fathers were called upon to comply with the decree of our last General Chapter, that in each Provincial Chapter two theologians be appointed to revise the sermons of our young Missionaries. The Fathers unanimously appointed the Rev. Fr. Basil of St. Mary, and Rev. Fr. Joachim of the Sacred Hearts, for this important task. In the 14th session, on the afternoon of Oct. 12th, in accordance with another decree of a General Chapter, the conduct of our Lay Brothers was taken into consideration. For the greater part, no serious fault was found with our good Lay Brothers, but the Fathers all manifested the most sincere solicitude for the spiritual welfare of these self-sacrificing workers, upon whom we depend so much for the proper carrying on of the work of the Congregation. This solicitude of the Fathers is evinced by the decree in reference to the Lay Brothers, which is found below.

The following are the decrees promulgated by the Ven. Chapter:—

1. The Ven. Chapter, having learned from documentary evidence and otherwise, that chiefly through the work of some religious whose names are known to it, a spirit of unrest, and rebellion against legitimate authority, has been fomented in the Province, emphatically admonishes these religious to cease entirely from their pernicious activity, if they wish to escape the severest measures, even before the Roman authorities, that may be needed to refrain their audacity, and preserve the peace of our Province.

2. In order to avoid the abuses and serious inconveniences resulting from the prevalent practice of excessive and idle gossip and correspondence, the Ven. Chapter decrees as follows: 1. Superiors must exercise the vigilant supervision over the mail prescribed by our Rules and Regulations, and must observe the decrees of former Chapters on this point. 2. That mail be delivered and forwarded only by means of a securely locked mail box. 3. That telegraph companies be instructed not to deliver messages over the telephone, and that telephone booths be constructed in all our Retreats.

3. In order to secure greater uniformity of government, and to meet special emergencies, the Ven. Chapter approves of an occasional meeting of all the Superiors of the Province, at the call of Fr. Provincial, during the two years intervening between Provincial Chapters, at which meetings may be discussed matters pertaining to the welfare of the Province, whether submitted by the Superiors themselves, or by the religious.

4. In order to enforce that point of the 13th chapter of our Holy Rule which has reference to money received and expended for a journey, the Ven. Chapter recalls the decree of the 7th Provincial Chapter: “Our priests, on their return from missions, retreats, or other labors of the ministry, as also our brothers travelling from one house to another, or on questing expeditions, are required to render an itemized account of the expenses which they may have incurred, whilst so employed, to their respective Superiors who are strictly bound to exact it.”

5. The Ven. Chapter, having carefully examined the Circular to our Missionaries issued by Fr. Provincial at the direction of our last Provincial Chapter, and having found it comformable to the spirit of our Directory of Missions, of decrees of former Chapters, and the teachings of the Holy See, and having learned with satisfaction that the Circular has met with the hearty approval of many of the Missionaries themselves, declares that it approves said Circular, and enjoins the faithful observance of it on all. The Ven. Chapter deems it a duty to declare that the fact itself of the Circular having been issued, is an irrefutable proof of the high esteem which is entertained for the evangelical laborers who work piously and zealously for the salvation of souls, and it enjoins that, in accordance with the spirit of our Institute, the example of our Holy Founder, and the constant practice of the Congregation, the most cordial benevolence be shown them by all, according to the teaching of St. Paul to Timothy: “Let the priests that rule well be esteemed worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in word and doctrine.”

6. In order to avoid misunderstandings and criticisms, and uphold the full authority and liberty given the Provincial by the Holy Rule, it is declared that no official position or mere seniority, gives a religious the right to be appointed Superior of a mission.

7. The Ven. Chapter declares, that while so called Sunday work is not the specific work of our Congregation, yet, as conditions of this country make such work unavoidable, it may be accepted in moderation, and for a sufficient reason, excluding as far as possible, the employment of student priests. It further declares that those engaged in such work shall have the following dispensations: 1. Fathers who go out for confessions and a late mass, will be dispensed from Matins the night after their return home. 2. If the Fathers return unusually fatigued from such work, they will also be dispensed, on the day of their return, from the rest of the observance until supper.

8. The Ven. Chapter, wishing to have the financial administration of our Retreats conform in all things to the recent legislation made by the Sacred Congregation of Religious, July 30th, 1909, but at the same time recognizing the difficulty of keeping the monies of our Retreats in the manner therein prescribed, decreed to propose the following plan, and to petition the aforesaid Congregation for its approval:

I. In order to comply with that part of the Instruction which requires three keys for the opening and closing of the depository in which the money of the Retreat is kept, all money not needed for minute monthly expenses shall be deposited to the credit of the Retreat, in a bank that has been designated by the Council; and each deposit of money shall be made with the knowledge of the Moderator, Econome, and 1st Councillor.

II. In drawing money from the bank, checks must be used that have been signed by both the Moderator and Econome, and to which the official seal of the Retreat has been affixed by the 1st Councillor. Without such signatures and seals, no check will be valid.

III. Money that has been received for Mass obligations which have not been fully satisfied, must be kept intact; such money, however, may be included in, and represented by, the monthly bank balance.

IV. In order to comply with Art. XX. of the Instruction issued by the General Curia, 1909, it is declared that the Councillors are not at liberty to affix their signatures to the monthly accounts, until they have examined the books of the administration, especially the day book, and have verified their correctness, by an inspection of the bank book and check book, as also the actual cash in the Retreat.

9. The Ven. Chapter declares that the Council required by the recent legislation has no right to regulate parish expenses, which must be regulated according to Diocesan Statutes. Not only the parish accounts, but also the parish monies, must be kept entirely separate from monastery accounts and monastery monies. Extraordinary parish expenses, however, require the permission of the Provincial, with the consent of at least one of his Consultors. It declares further, that the decree of our 4th Provincial Chapter has force only with regard to alterations in the structure of Monastery Churches.

10. In order to meet the special needs that arise in this country, the Most Rev. Fr. General granted the petition of the Ven. Chapter that in this Province, Rectors, with the concurrence of the Vicar, be allowed to make extraordinary expenditures to the amount of $40.00, without the consent of the local Council.

11. Whereas, the title under which our Chapter of 1908 decreed an annual subsidy of $5,000.00 for a period of ten years to the Province of the Holy Cross, has been questioned, and the claim is made that it was under the title of justice, and whereas, such claim is apt to disturb the peaceful relations of the two Provinces, the Ven. Chapter declares, that said subsidy was voted from a motive of charity alone, and that such was the understanding of the Most Rev. Fr. General, of the Capitulars of both Provinces, as is evident from the Acts of both Chapters, 1908, and such the reason assigned in the Rescript of the Sacred Congregation of Religious, authorizing the donation. The Chapter, moreover, deems it prudent to declare, that, in the Official Agreement of the two Provincials, dated Sept. 7th 1908, the continuance of said subsidy is made dependent on the observance of Decree IV, Session 3rd, of the First Provincial Chapter of the Province of the Holy Cross.

12. Inasmuch as there is a misunderstanding in regard to the suffrages to be offered for the deceased parents of our Religious, the Ven. Chapter declares, that the decree of our 12th Provincial Chapter, prescribing the celebration of holy Mass in all our Retreats, on the death of parents of our Religious, applies to this Province only. However, it also declares its willingness to extend all the suffrages usually applied on the death of parents of Religious of our Province to the parents of Religious of the Western Province, as long as we continue to offer the full suffrages for Religious of said Province; provided, however, that the Western Province is disposed to reciprocate this concession. It further declares that these same suffrages are to be applied to the parents of those Religious of the Argentina Province who were formerly members of this Province, without, however, expecting any reciprocation of suffrages.

13. The Ven. Chapter greatly rejoices that the Foundation of Passionist Nuns, recommended by our last Provincial Chapter, has been effected, and established on a solid basis. It expresses the wish that the Superiors and Religious of this Province should continue to take an active interest in the welfare of the Foundation, and it approves of Fr. Provincial making reasonable efforts to assist the Nuns in reducing their debt. It further approves of Fr. Provincial sending zealous and edifying priests to conduct the Retreats for women, which our Nuns hold, in accordance with their Rules, and the stipulation of the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Pittsburg in his permission for the Foundation.

14. In order to conform to the decree of the Sacred Congregation of Religious, published Jan. 1st, 1911, “Concerning Lay Brothers of Religious Orders,” the Ven. Chapter ordains, that, for the spiritual profit of our Lay Brothers, the following regulations be faithfully observed:

I. That the Lay Brothers receive Catechetical instructions on Sundays or any other day of the week, according to ancient custom.

II. That they “go to Fr. Rector once a month, and make the conference with the Spiritual Father,” as prescribed by the Regulations. Should a real necessity, recognized by the Superior, require it, the conference may be made during the time of prayer.

III. That they diligently employ their free time on Sundays and Holydays in spiritual reading. On such days, they should also observe the ancient practice of helping the Cook and Refectorian in their respective offices, so that they, too, may get time for spiritual reading. Let them also be mindful of that point of the Holy Rule, Chap. XXVI, which reads: “Let not the Lay Brothers go to the recreation till they have performed their duties in the refectory, the kitchen, and elsewhere.”

Finally, the Ven. Chapter reminds the Lay Brothers that their state in the Congregation obliges them to discharge with careful solicitude the manual offices imposed upon them by holy obedience, and therefore they should not occupy this time in study or reading, which is incompatible with their state. Hence they have no right, outside of the time already specified, to employ themselves in reading in their cells.

15. The Ven. Chapter, in accordance with the decree of our last General Chapter, enjoins that the Brother Infirmarian or Tailor distribute to the religious at least one small towel every two weeks for their personal use. It also enjoins that the religious receive a change of underwear once a week. It further orders that clothing. etc., in common use be laundered at least every two weeks, and it declares that on such days, the Brothers employed in the laundry are to make a half hour prayer in the evening, the other dispensations being limited to dispensation from Matins, according to established custom.

16. The Ven. Chapter declares that the third pittance prescribed by our Holy Rule on 1st Class Feasts, need not be meat.

17. In order to conform to the general practice of the Congregation, the Ven. Chapter enjoins that the evening Angelus is to be recited at the thanksgiving after supper.

18. Inasmuch as there is a general desire to have an accurate account of the foundation and growth of our beloved Province, the Ven. Chapter enjoins upon the Rectors the greatest care in the preservation of the documents of the Congregation, and exhorts all, Superiors and Religious, to forward to Fr. Provincial information relative to the history of the Province. The Chapter further urges Fr. Provincial to secure one of our Religious to begin work on the collection of materials for such a history.

19. The Ven. Chapter, having considered the recent legislation with regard to Ecclesiastical Studies, realizes the need of improving our Preparatory School to meet the requirements of this legislation, and it instructs Fr. Provincial and his Consultors to begin the preparation of plans for a new School, which it is the hope of all may be built before many years. The Ven. Chapter authorizes an annual collection to be taken up in all our Churches for our Preparatory School, provided the consent of the Ordinary can be obtained. Finally, it exhorts all our priests, especially the Missionaries and the Fathers engaged in parish work, to strive zealously to secure promising boys for our Preparatory School.

At the close of the 14th session, the Most Rev. Fr. President asked the Capitular Fathers if they had anything further to propose. All answered in the negative. A motion was then made that the Fathers express to the Most Rev. Fr. General their sincere appreciation of the wisdom, discretion, and unfailing good humor, with which he had presided over the deliberations of the Chapter, and that they offer him their heartiest thanks, for the honor he paid us in presiding at our Chapter in person, and for the most signal help they had received in their arduous labors from his wise and fatherly counsels. The Fathers enthusiastically assented to this motion.

In reply, Fr. General thanked the Fathers for the words of appreciation addressed to him. He furthermore urged them, especially the new Superiors, to seek inspiration and guidance in their responsible duties from the example of our Holy Founder, particularly on the following points: 1. To cultivate a great love for the Regular Observance. In the days of St. Paul of the Cross, the newly elected Superiors took an oath faithfully to keep the observance themselves, and to see that others would do the same. The oath is no longer required, but the sentiments that inspired it should still animate the Superiors. 2. To encourage others in the observance of the Rule, by benevolence, strictness combined with mildness, fatherly conduct towards all, and the avoidance of all that would have the appearance of partiality; so that the religious may love to be at home, rather than to be abroad seeking the pleasures of worldly society. 3. To insist on a spirit of retirement and solitude, avoiding travelling which is not necessary, or unbecoming our vocation. He applied this especially to so called vacations, saying, that in accordance with the spirit of our Congregation, they ought to be taken at home, and not abroad.

He also recommended that the Superiors should have proper diffidence in themselves, should recognize their own weakness, should not act hastily, but considerately and prudently, and after due reflection. Finally, he wished the new Superiors all blessings and success in their work; and gave expression to the wish that this Province, the only one in the Congregation named after our Holy Founder, may always be imbued with his spirit, and find special favor in his sight because of our faithful imitation of his virtues. God grant that these wishes of our revered Fr. General find an abundant fulfillment in our midst!

A vote was now offered to Very Rev. Fr. Joseph, 1st Consultor General, 1stly, of the heartfelt thanks of the Fathers for the prudent and faithful manner in which he had filled the difficult office of interpreter for the Chapter; and 2ndly, of their esteem and confidence, which have only been intensified by their association with him during these days of the Chapter.

FIFTEENTH SESSION.

The Fathers met for the last time on Friday morning, Oct. 13th, at 9 o’clock. After the customary prayers, the Most Rev. Fr. President asked the Fathers if they had anything further to propose. They answered in the negative. He then asked them if they thought it proper to bring the Chapter to a close, and they answered in the affirmative.

The Most Rev. Fr. President then confirmed the elections of the Rectors and Master of Novices, and the newly elected made the proscribed profession of faith, and took the oath against Modernism, according to the prescriptions of our Holy Father, Pius X.

The Most Rev. Fr. President then confirmed the Acts, and all the decrees of the Chapter.

The Fathers, with grateful hearts to the Giver of all blessings, affixed their signatures as follows :—

Most Rev. Fr. Jeremiah of the Most Sacred Thorns, Superior General and Pres.
Very Rev. Fr. Joseph of the Mother of Mercy, 1st Consultor General, ex privilegio a S. Congr. de Religiosis concesso.
Very Rev. Fr. Stanislaus of the Most Holy Redeemer, Provincial.
Very Rev. Fr. Paul Joseph of the Five Wounds, 1st Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. Fr. Albert of the Cross, 2nd Provincial Consultor.
Very Rev. Fr. George of St. Michael, Rector of St. Paul’s Retreat, Pittsburg, Pa.
Very Rev. Fr. Linus of the Heart of Mary, Rector of St. Mary’s Retreat, Dunkirk, N. Y.
Very Rev. Fr. Bertrand of the Heart of Mary, Rector of St. Michael’s Retreat, West Hoboken, N. J.
Very Rev. Fr. Cornelius of St. Ignatius, Rector of St. Joseph’s Retreat, Baltimore, Md.
Very Rev. Fr. Cyprian of the Immaculate Conception, Rector of St. Ann’s Retreat, Scranton, Pa.
Very Rev. Fr. Clement of St. Peter, Master of Novices.
Rev. Fr. Justin of the Infant Jesus, Superior of Blessed Gabriel’s Retreat, Boston, Mass., ex privilegio a S. Congr. de Religiosis concesso.

Given from the Chapter Room. Retreat of St. Paul of the Cross, Pittsburg, Oct. 13th, 1911.

LINUS OF THE HEART OF MARY,
Capitular Secretary